Tit-for-Tat attitude in boxing must end or sport will suffer in the long term – O’Keeffe

15th June 2017

Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Sport, Kevin O’Keeffe has called on all officials and officers of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to put aside any personal feelings or animosity they have for each other put the sport first.

“The tit-for-tat attitude that has gripped the organisation and the ever deepening crisis in the organisation’s board room is damaging the sport.

“This constant negativity is leaching down into the sport’s grassroots athletes and supporters. The last 12 months have been wasted as a result of this constant sniping, and the sport is at risk of falling even further behind.

“Egos, personal feelings and arguments must now be put to one side to allow the sport grow and develop. Those who administer the sport have an obligation to act professionally and to put boxing first.

“I understand that Sport Ireland has made a number of requests to the IABA to reform its governance and administration or else they will face a suspension in their funding.

“The IABA must agree to these reforms or risk jeopardising the future of the sport.

“Administering the organisation and administering the High Performance Unit (HPU) are two very distinct roles that require different skill sets. We should leave both roles to the right people and not have any interference.

“The future of the sport must be the priority, and it’s time personal feelings were taken out of the ring for the benefit for everyone involved,” concluded O’Keeffe.

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)